Lemon Locomotives | Model Trains With Design Faults

A display of all my lemon locos - model trains with serious design flaws!
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Contents:
0:00 Introduction
1:40 All the lemons
12:08 Running the lemons
15:10 Running more lemons

[@blisseyran-dom6822]

That Dapol diesel falling over in the opening shot was so much funnier than it should have been

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know right! ;D

[@Danse_Macabre_125]

​@@SamsTrains"class 73 has a nap"

[@mrblond750]

Funniest thing I’ve ever heard Sam say. “And we’ll get them running and just laugh at them as they struggle.”

[@SamsTrains]

haha, I can't pretend I didn't enjoy that! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@kimberleykultala1396]

“When life gives you lemons, run some model trains” - me 2020

[@SamsTrains]

haha exactly right! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@kimberleykultala1396]

Sam'sTrains oh no! Did I mention you also make lemonade?? (Model trains first though) your welcome Sam. Keep it up,

[@ayjaythelnerexpressmixtraf5757]

@@SamsTrains "When you are in quarentine, Run some model trains, will ya?" AyJay 2021

[@rizzo_grt]

9:17 it was assembled badly because whoever was assembling it wisely did not want to look at it.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah I guess that makes a lot of sense, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@stefantrainspotter]

Yep

[@stevenulloa57]

Oh those poor children who had to wait some time in order save up enough money to buy a Bachman Thomas and Friends character only for it to burn out on them because of the poor choice of motor Bachman have chosen. Bachman do the right thing and fit a five pole motor do it for the children. Will somebody from Bachman think of the children and not just children module railway enthusiasts in general.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right - why on earth couldn't they use better mechanisms in those? They're messing with kids in those cases - not good at all! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@kimberleykultala1396]

Haha, that’s why I don’t buy Bachman.

[@panzerkampfwagen-vi1313]

I had something like this the package was an beautiful 020 diesel shunter from Germany pwrfect weight and detail... I open the box what DO I GET... WELL I GOT A BLOODY HELL YELLOW BOX (edit) : ON WHEELS

[@mistermadmachine6311]

😢Can it be replaced please tell me it can be replaced

[@danielebrparish4271]

Bachman's is the low cost leader of the industry. If you want a better quality product you have to spend a little more.

[@thefountainpendesk]

Sees thumbail: Me: Underground Ernie nightmares set in

[@thefountainpendesk]

14:49 nightmares intensify

[@SamsTrains]

haha absolutely! ;D

[@Matt-xr4ke]

I remember those nightmare creatures now thanks

[@DoubleDeckerDave]

What a wild ride that show was. The Gary Lineker character looks like something the Fat Controller would see in his nightmares.

[@GALJIMA.]

Stop

[@tavtwo8581]

Ironically, the real Class 221 also had issues with its tilting mechanism, to the point where they had to remove it because it was so bad. So Bachmann is actually making a perfectly accurate model to the prototype!

[@Danse_Macabre_125]

Wee mistake: the 221 tilt worked and still works perfectly fine. Avanti ones still have it, CrossCountry disabled it purely to save money and to make life easier when running one with a 220 (220s weren't even built with tilt at all), nothing related to their unreliability

[@tavtwo8581]

@@Danse_Macabre_125 Ah, thanks for the info. I'm not so interested in the modern stuff so not surprised I got something wrong!

[@Danse_Macabre_125]

@@tavtwo8581 We all make mistakes, if anything I'd be even worse with most pre-HST stuff

[@ayeshafenner7180]

Sam'strains presents: Mockery of the lemon engines

[@SamsTrains]

haha exactly - letting off stream today! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@tico360]

Nice pun

[@cupidz0]

Pun's

[@zombieperk4807]

I have 15 engines and all but 3 are lemons

[@trainfan998]

@@SamsTrains You should look up the Bachmann USA k4 streamline locomotive. It can't go faster than Thomas and you have to remove the tender body shell every time you get it in or out of its box.

[@drosera88]

I was expecting the Heljan to be carted out on the "Flatbed of Shame" again. Also, I love how you just left the Dapol derailed on its side for the rest of the video.

[@SamsTrains]

haha maybe - I'm sure it'll happen one day! Yep - I'd picked it up 10 times already, just gave up in the end! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@howardpidd4691]

Finally some honesty in reviews! It's great to see someone with the courage to tackle the issue of poor quality and dreadful value for money in model railways. With prices now reaching very silly levels it's indefensible that manufacturers keep churning out rubbish like this. Many magazine reviews seem to shy away from issues about running qualitities and value for money. And just try raising the subject of sky high prices on a certain railway forum and you are instantly told where to get off. Keep up the good work! P.S. I own a number of your lemons myself.

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks Howard - sure, I'll always do that! With prices they way they are, models need to be perfect. The fact that they so often aren't is ludicrous in my opinion! Sorry to hear you have a good number of these too!! :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ianstransporthistorystuff8175]

Yes it's bad if the model companys just churn out lemons as espicaly new people to the hobbie will just give up.and with how the world is at present and people losing their jobs , there won't be the people to by their frankly overpriced lemons or any other items :(

[@dannywest7587]

When are you people going to wake up to the real world,your country is being destroyed while you play with plastic toys!!!

[@davidwales2624]

“We’ll just laugh at them while they’re running”.. 😂😂🤣😆🤣

[@SamsTrains]

haha exactly! ;D

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

You know, this video gave some really nice angles of your railway that we don't always get to see. It really made me appreciate the simple decoration you've done for the hill and the yard. I'm actually a little surprised you've not extended the decoration to anywhere else.

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh glad to hear that, thanks a lot mate! I don't think my layout is much good at all, but that's very kind of you! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@MrJoeyWheeler]

@@SamsTrains You're too modest, the yard and the hill are really well done, particularly the hill.

[@geothom]

Sam, make a layout outside and burn the Underground Ernie train while it runs

[@SamsTrains]

haha I might have to try that! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@thomascollector5443]

Underground ernie train: hello i like cheese Us: you suck your a lemon and we shall burn you Underground ernie train: ok u got me i really am a diseased catipilar

[@KafkaDeAwesome]

“Back Bay Train Crash but with model trains”

[@taylorberry1735]

#StopCircleAbuse

[@ytk2508]

yes

[@Nova_Blaze]

Ah, some of these were definitely a trip down memory lane. Especially the Heljan and Ernie.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yes indeed - not the kind of lane you want to revisit too often! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Penguig]

More of a dark alley

[@kennethsooley9938]

I love the way the 73 totally gave up and decided to lay on its side to take a nap.

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know - and it does that *every lap* now too! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@user-pe4fq3bv1g]

Bacmans circle "made for kids" loco : hulo Sodor fallout: pah! KZbin thinks that videos about me are MaDe FoR kIDs

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know right, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@benjaminokon-uribe9218]

Bachmann*

[@Kris-qy7hh]

6:05 The Leaning Funnel of GWR 😂

[@SamsTrains]

haha yes indeed! ;D

[@GMokemoD]

Interesting that the Hornby Henry seemed more based on his railways series illustrations. I like it.

[@patrickmurphy6775]

It takes a bold man to show the lemons and describe why. Great job!

[@FerroequinologistofColorado]

Love the intro. Your videos are so enjoyable to watch. Keep up the fantastic work Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much, that's very kind of you! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@shadowmaster8684]

0:27 had me dying with the audience gasp!

[@SamsTrains]

haha!! xD

[@leilacentral1883]

Hilarious. That rolling banana or cucumber is just hilarious. Got to ask, have strange things been happening in the house since you got it? Love ya work Sam, Clint

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know - it's insane isn't it?! Yes they certainly have - I'm scared to wake up each morning :'( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@cjsheldon2013]

I’ve had my Hornby Henry (tender drive) since Christmas 2003 and I’ve never had any issues with it. Always been a smooth runner. Great video by the way :)

[@SamsTrains]

Yes the older tender driven ones were fine - it seems it's mainly the newer loco driven ones! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Moon-light883]

Loved the video keep up the good work and I had watched your videos in the past then I had to wait a few years to watch KZbin again and I finally found your channel again

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh fantastic - welcome back mate! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@lysander.o.c.3580]

Ironic that henry has issues, seeing as he had them in Thomas the tank engine and friends/the railway series

[@railfan2822]

True, but the model is in his rebuilt class 5 shape, when all of those problems were fixed.

[@SamsTrains]

haha good point though - maybe Hornby were just trying to be accurate!? ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@lysander.o.c.3580]

@@SamsTrains maybe they were, no problem, i enjoyed the video

[@lysander.o.c.3580]

@@railfan2822 yeah

[@smg4desti176]

In the Railway Series book Henry and the Express story Overhaul something broke on Henry it bounce off the platform which cause a brick to fly pass Henry's cab and hit James' boiler who was behind Henry because it was easy way for Henry to get to the Sodor Steam works by Henry to pull the express the Henry's driver stop the train to look at the damage he told Henry that his tire broke off his wheels.

[@lukeheichlinger7810]

It’s just a shame that expensive locos with so much detail and separately fitted parts, get thrown out because of a bad mechanism/motor or just bad engineering. The smallest things can make the biggest impact.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah you're right - a real pity :(

[@bentullett6068]

True, I have never been 100% impressed with my Hornby super detailed 08 shunter as it runs well at low speeds but if you get it to higher speeds or longer running times the gearing starts to chatter which makes you think that the motor is failing. I am about to try a tip someone else mentioned by adding modelling white grease to the gears to minimise the noise. Its apparently a common issue with the hornby 08 shunter

[@michaelcotgreave271]

Thanks Sam, what an eye opener. I came very close to buying several of these locos. It seems like Bachman need to get on top of their quality control. Having said that, I have several Bachman steam locomotives and I've not had any problems with them.

[@digitalcareline]

Hi Sam You bring up a very good point with this film. The trouble is the growth industry in complete lemons is damaging the customers and the hobby. Dealers are also customers . Normally I wouldn't comment like this but the lack of basic QC is such a serious issue. As a dealer we are here to grow the hobby, to help customers enjoy railway modelling and to find solutions to customer plans. In general we should just be dealing with clarifying instructions and solving small issues. Now we find that we have to inspect and test every model before sale. Carefully unpacking, inspecting and re-packing a model takes a lot of time. (2 hours for an O gauge loco). Despite the high price tags, there is no dealer margin in these models to pay for all the additional work that is now involved. ( Before complaining that this is mercenary, please consider your own work and paycheck - shops are a very costly enterprise to keep running) The process of making good or returning to a manufacturer has significant costs. If parts are missing then it can be months before I can put a model on sale. - in many cases I will have missed the boat on potential sales while I wait for replacements. Long term destruct testing should be done at the manufacturer during the design process. This kind of testing is not the responsibility of dealers. The feeling is that cost cutting on motors and gearboxes has become acceptable for some manufacturers and maybe the savings are seen as so beneficial that an increased returns rate is acceptable - or the model will hold on past the warranty period... I want to put it to these manufacturers that cost cutting in this manner is too destructive. All those comments of " I will never buy another model from them again" do add up and the customer base will diminish. Today I find myself stripping out ranges that I stock and limiting what I buy to manufacturers that I trust to look after their products. I find myself refusing customer orders as the products involved have known issues that will result in the shop trading at a loss on the deal. This is not fun or engaging for anyone concerned. I want to get back to a position where it is " Great model, thank you for your purchase. I know that you will love it!" Many thanks Chris

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Chris - yes it certainly is quite damaging to the hobby for sure! And absolutely - why should you have to spend all those hours checking models when it should be done at the factory? Thanks a lot for sharing all of this - hopefully the manufacturers will see content like this and make a move for the best, before it's too late! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@MrBnsftrain]

4:25 I don't have any of the Bachmann Thomas locos, but I had a motor burn out on a Bachmann F7A, which ran poorly even though it was 8-wheel drive and had all-wheel pickups. It might've had the same motor as Circle Another locomotive that I have that seems to have a recurring flaw is my Life-Like 4-6-2 locomotive. It wheelslips on uphill curves (with even three coaches) and the front and rear axles stay on the track quite loosely. And I do have a floor layout too, which might be the source of its troubles

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh sorry about that - with that my driving wheels, if they didn't fit proper bearings (as they often don't), the massive friction could have been the cause - sorry to hear that :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@GNF54]

Bachmann only puts effort into their expensive stuff. I do have a Bachmann 45-Tonner which is really reliable.

[@adamrushton1740]

Dose any of these lemon 🍋 locomotives makes lemonade? because I’m thirsty.

[@SamsTrains]

Some of them ooze a nasty yellow fluid, but I'd strongly advise against consuming it! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@SBCBears]

As I sip my lemonade while watching the video. I'm grateful for this review because several of my wishlist locos are included. At least the Bachmann circle loco doesn't have its mouth open. (Enjoy the laugh-- I'm sure plenty of parents have.) I'll go to my room now. I'm back! You know, a drill and a little paint would complete the look. A great gag gift.

[@SamsTrains]

haha fantastic! ;D

[@adamberry1947]

i have a hornby railroad 14xx for my own layout ive had it for give or take 3 years now and i've never had a problem with it. it's perfect for going around the tight curves that i have on my layout and the motor has never exploded or burnt out on me. it does sometimes rock side to side when i run it and the traction tyres are on their way out but mechanically i've never had a single problem with it. nice video sam big fan :)

[@SamsTrains]

If it's 3 years old, then it probably still has the sprung axle - it's the newer Railroad design that was downgraded! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@traintastictrains3632]

13:10, if the ‘H’ Class has got two defects, does that make it a lime??!! Great video as always, well done!

[@SamsTrains]

haha I'm not an expert on lemons and limes, but maybe you're right! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@CW56]

Traintastic Trains, that’s an ICR on your profile picture, I see these a lot here in Ireland.

[@traintastictrains3632]

Renny Rex, I’m from Ireland myself!

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

9:06 I have said this before and I'm going to say it again underground Ernie isn't as bad as people make it out it's actually pretty good as I usually can look past dated animation as long as the story is good

[@SamsTrains]

haha the show might be, this was strictly referring to the model though ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@CW56]

Honestly I don’t get why people think Underground Ernie copied Thomas, besides having sentient trains it’s not really that similar to Thomas. It would be like saying the Good Dinosaur and Disney’s Dinosaur both ripped off the Land Before Time.

[@williampulfer-melville8536]

@@CW56 that's a really good point plus underground Ernie is more so based around the London underground really

[@HitEntertainmentFan19]

Great video Sam! I loved the start of it, it was so funny 10/10😁

[@SamsTrains]

haha thank you!! ;D

[@RS-xo7rd]

The early Hornby T9 with 6 wheel tender included in the 'Southern Suburban 1938' set has the tender frames assembled the wrong way round (guard irons at the front), and the motor mount has mazak rot.

[@RS-xo7rd]

Yes, indeed it has.

[@trmn311]

Certainly a good way of frustrating a child right out of the hobby before they really get started. ☹️

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah absolutely - that's the worst part of all this :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@user-cyberqueenie]

That's what happened to me when I was eight. I got Thomas for Christmas and after a month he stopped working. We even took him to the train store and they couldn't figure out what was wrong so we gave up. My problem now is the money and space.

[@thetweedcladenglishman]

Meat Loaf’s “Life is a Lemon (and I Want My Money Back)” - the new anthem of modern railway modelling 🍋

[@SamsTrains]

haha that's awesome! I'll have to get the license for that song, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@timbervalleyproductions]

One of the folks at my model club has a voyager and has no issues with it! Great video! :D Edit: It's a 220 which doesn't tilt

[@tobytheoceanlinerbuilder1078]

Hi I have just started watching your channel and I can’t stop watching I am thinking of starting my hornby collection your vids are amazing

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh awesome Toby, really hope you enjoy the hobby! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@tobytheoceanlinerbuilder1078]

I am getting the Christmas coke a cola set to start with a pack of too points I saw your review and it looks great 👍

[@pannierprairie7884]

0:16 I will never get that image out of my head

[@SamsTrains]

haha sorry about that! ;D

[@Olivers-trains]

Oh the pain of seeing that underground Ernie set in real life murder the catipiler on a fire

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know right, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@nigelcurtis218]

I have been modelling for 60 years and the biggest lemon was the Hornby T9 which suffered motor mount mazak rot ! Such was the issue that Peter's Spares produce an aftermarket mount ! This loco topped the charts in my local model shop for the number of repairs! In fairness Hornby repaired both my 30285 and 30726 FOC!

[@SamsTrains]

Yes you're right Nigel, I may have forgotten to include that one actually - my T9 did exactly the same thing! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@louisbuscarino7330]

Sam I am glad you made this kind of video. I have the same problems with some of the same engines . I also have a problem with my Oxford 2301 Dean Goods 0-6-0 2308 WW1 railway operating Division khaki. It start out great when it is cold but then it starts to slow down to it almost stops. As far as my Bachmann engines I have nothing but problems with them. Keep them great videos coming I can not wait.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Louis - sorry to hear you've had the same problems too! Hmm, that's very strange - I thought all the Khaki models were sorted - definitely send it back!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@therealvbw]

"Railway Reliant Robin(s)"?

[@SamsTrains]

haha exactly!! xD

[@crucialcustard7668]

Lol

[@nameit100itsme]

i have a train that derails its tender even on 3rd radius curves it could be crawling on them and it will still derail it

[@SamsTrains]

man! That's no good - which engine is it?! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@cupidz0]

Same

[@nameit100itsme]

a tyco southern green 0-6-0@@SamsTrains

[@mrcdales]

Hilarious love way the dapol just falls it's pure comedy class well done sam made my day!

[@SamsTrains]

haha I know right - I love that falling over - it does it on *literally every lap* now too, which is very angering! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Aman95YT]

I gotta say. The whole purpose of this video is to bust on the circle train. And I couldn’t be happier that it is! Keep up the awesome work! Aman95

[@SamsTrains]

haha glad to hear that, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@freddomuncher5768]

So Sam I have a question What do you think is the best model train to get as a beginner? , being one myself I would love go know

[@jackdstudios4363]

One of the little 0-4-0 starter train sets are a good start in my opinion.

[@cleo6686]

Best loco is Oxford N2 0-6-0

[@freddomuncher5768]

Thanks to both of you😁

[@freddomuncher5768]

Do you mind if I also what are the best, cheapest coaches for beginners?

[@SamsTrains]

That's quite tricky - depends on what you like! Check some of my top5 videos - all of those models are awesome! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@BritanniaPacific]

Lemon locomotives Alternate title: making the argument for getting your money back. Have one: get your money back ASAP Don’t have one: stay away and look elsewhere

[@SamsTrains]

haha I guess so, I'd always recommend getting these things refunded! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@lewispeake6691]

Great video Sam. I have a 14xx but from Airfix and it must be at least 20 years older and yet it runs better than the railroad version. However this video truly ‘brought out’ the lemons in locomotives. Good video

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Lewis - yes they do indeed - they used to have the sprung rear axle, but Hornby got rid of it, for some ungodly reason!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@victoriacyunczyk]

Watching these videos makes me want to try and fix some of the lemons in my own collection.

[@wedding824]

Sees thumbnail and title Me: alright let's see what sa- Sam: we are looking at LEMON locos *crazy music plays* Me: Sam's gone mad!

[@SamsTrains]

haha, surprise! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@farric1]

I laughed and laughed watching this video. Imagine buying a smartphone, having these issues and not being able to get an adequate response from the supplier! The issues in my view stem from all of the model train makers sourcing only one or two chinese manufacturers. I think it's time these companies tested taiwanese or even indonesian build quality.

[@edmundcarew7235]

Going by their efforts in other areas, Taiwanese companies might do a good job. As an added bonus, it has a good full size rail network including a high speed rail line and in the southern port city, a battery-operated new tramway. Great place!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing! I don't know about that - the Chinese have produced some superb models for Hornby, so logically they can't be the weak link! I don't think it's as simple as incompetent manufacturing (although there is a lot of that too!) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@victoriacyunczyk]

Japan and South Korea also make excellent products.

[@KevinHill-fp7re]

I love the Adam's radial tank even though it's lemon it's still my favorite Loco along with the 9f Loco ❤

[@lewisporto]

Great video as always Sam! The 2 lemons I’ve got in my collection: Hornby Class 125 HST I have 2 and neither of them can pull the coaches and dummy car that come in the set due to traction tyres Bachmann Collet Goods much luck your N15s the tender doesn’t stay on the rails or will disconnect pulling rolling stock

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing Lewis - that's no good at all! :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Supercreaturee]

RIP in rest tango I guess where ever that is

[@SamsTrains]

haha!! xD

[@GenericGeeza]

0:30 and 8:54 ARRRGH it's the demon locomotive that haunts dreams

[@SamsTrains]

haha she's back, lol! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@patrickadams1430]

I know it's bee a while since this videos been posted, but may I inquire, what exact component of the N class's coupler did you break to get it to work? Turns out, it's not the only Bachmann locomotive with that problem. I recently acquired one with the same type of coupler and now I'm kind of stuck with it. I'm already thinking about alternative solutions, but if I thought I could just perform a sort of "controlled break" and fix it that way, then I'd just do that.

[@iforgotmymoney5823]

Sam you have so many amazing engines My favorite is the black 5 and the Fowler 4f

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - glad you like those! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@OliverWalker_official]

Where was the large prairie that had some problems

[@SamsTrains]

Yes! I recorded this before I owned that one! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@tmdrm9817]

14:29 Ay stop making fun of my name. ;)

[@SamsTrains]

haha sorry!! xD

[@welshrails]

I'm currently on holiday and I went to the Royal airforce museum yesterday and I've never been to the NRM but when I do I think it's gonna be like that, it was fantastic AND I'm going to a narrow gauge railway!!

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh fantastic - glad to hear it was good! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ModelRailwaysUnlimited]

Hi Sam, thanks for the shout out! I honestly don't think Heljan can make a working steam model so I did not get one of them, The H class you are right, I added paper washers under the worm drive cover and its been fine since, I have a BR one that has been fine from new, so maybe a batch error. Don't have the Oxford Adams, Shame about the 14xx the older Hornby one was fine, Not had any issues with the Dean Goods from Oxford, ah the S15 yes indeed a huge problem, after Hornby sent me a brand new one, no more trouble. I'll need to check the N class, I have two and not notices any issues, ah the 9F my chassis twisted and luckily Hornby replaced it for me, but I hate Marzak rot, vile problem. OH yews the older Bachmann wheels, very sad indeed, who knows what's wrong with the plastic, and yet I have many cracked axles :( Dapol 73, yes this is dad, mine makes a horrid noise, I am on number 3, I also don't like how they crab around the track and as for the pick up arrangement! why did they do it! Good video idea!

[@SamsTrains]

No problem Mike - I followed your advice on my H class, along with the replacement motor, and mine seems fine for now too. The older 14xx was indeed fine, they actually removed the spring mechanism from the rear truck for their railroad one! Yes the 73 is a total waste of time - only loco I truly regret buying! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@neilbarnett3046]

Loving that about the Dapol 73, @15:20, "... that does still happen..." (Engine obligingly falls over on points.) I still have a Hornby R156 (vintage 1972, I think) with one eccentric wheel, so it wobbles continuously and stalls on points as only 3 wheels are on the track. And I have a Hornby R351 electric, that worked fine, but it was such a faff putting up the wires and getting them bent to match the track. But they were longer than a segment of track, so the curves in the wires didn't match the curves in the track, especially after my brother got his fingers on them. Worked OK a few times, but it didn't suit a couple of impatient boys who had to disassemble it again for dinner. And it was a CKD engine, but I wasn't that good at putting it together!

[@fyfieldjunction]

Great vid Sam and very fun to watch. As for lemons in my collection I definitely have atleast one. The worst was my older style Bachmann class 66. Despite picking up on 8 wheels and running on clean track with clean wheels and pickups it would still cut out often for no reason. I gave it good service and checked all the parts were in good condition and everything was working perfectly fine. There was absolutely no reason for it to cut out like it did so I gave up and bought a new chassis which luckily was the older style 21 pin version with all wheel pickup and I haven’t had a problem with it since. This wasn’t the first time I had a problem like this as I have 2 more older style Bachmann 66s which suffered even worse from the same problem of which it got to the point where I converted them to rolling chassis. I’m never buying an older style Bachmann 66 again. As for other lemons in my collection I’m sure the hattons 66 deserves a place due to the axle box issues I’ve had with it. I only had a problem with two axle boxes but I eventually gave up and glued them permanently into place however I have left all the others as they are but they’ll probably get the same treatment in the future. Overall it seems that sheds don’t like me very much

[@nigelcurtis218]

I had this problem with early 66135. I added and wired up extra fine phosphor bronze strips to the 'dead' wheels and the loco now performs beautifully!

[@fyfieldjunction]

Nigel Curtis great to here mate. 66135 is one of the 66s I had the running issues with and so it’s now a rolling chassis. As well as you and myself I also have a friend who to had running issues with 66135 and he also converted to a rolling chassis. Why this issue is happening I do not know and it shouldn’t be happening at all as 8 wheels picking up is more than enough really for a loco that size. I have locos with less pickups that run better than those models so there’s really no excuse.

[@nigelcurtis218]

@@fyfieldjunction Hi mate. The centre axle appears to have a bit too much side play and the pickups would not stay firmly 'sprung ' on the back of the wheels both on straight track and curves. Trying to increase the tension caused the loco to derail immediately on entering a curve so I went back to square one and added the extra pickups as I mentioned earlier!

[@fyfieldjunction]

Nigel Curtis ah I see

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing these - I've never heard of that issue before, so that's very interesting! A very cool fix too! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@RiliansMusic]

That is my favorite samstrain intro of the lot including the water tower and controller one.

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh glad to hear that one!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Alan.at.coombecross]

Glad I didn't watch you review of the Heljan 1361 before I bought one. Got mine from Rails for half price and it's been a great little loco. Smooth and reliable straight from the box! Must have a rogue one. Regards Alan

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh great to hear that Alan! Just don't take it apart - you'll see the terrible mechanism if you do! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Alan.at.coombecross]

@@SamsTrains here's hoping that I won't need to!🤣

[@lewishughes8541]

Hi sam my ruston turned up today i love it Thankyou so much mate

[@SamsTrains]

Amazing Lewis - really hope you enjoy it mate! Thanks for all your support, Cheers, Sam :)

[@buckhamptonmodelrailway5923]

I absolutely love your videos Sam. My two year old and I often watch them together. I particularly love you approach towards faulty trains so this video was a hoot! Anyways, I also have a Dapol 73. I wonder if shaving a bit of the underframe near the bogie will sort it. The same fix as needed on a Dapol 121. I intend to give this a go when it comes back from warranty repair for something else!

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks so much! And good idea on that - I'll look and see if that would help! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@buckhamptonmodelrailway5923]

@@SamsTrains Let us know if it solves the problem!

[@TheEerieStudio]

My worst runner is my first model, a Hornby E1... but it's cuz it vintage and it's old owner didn't take care of it, but I still love the hell out of the thing cuz it was my first model 💞

[@jakeandzack5763]

I had a lemon once: the Bachmann N scale Durango & Silverton set. The engine was dead on arrival. I had to order a new one, and had no problems with it since.

[@SamsTrains]

Uh oh that's no good - glad it's all okay now though! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@stratagama]

Now this is in HO bit I recommend the IHC Durango and Silverton locomotives. They run beautifully

[@paulcamps1237]

I have a 221 tilting voyager - solved the derailing problem by removing the centre swivel springs and it runs perfectly round 3rd and 2nd radius curves I also run the motor coach in second position rather than the third or centre position.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh very interesting Paul - I'm not sure what I did to fix my issue now, but I did manage it in the end! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@pubigub.7250]

I have a couple thomas models, if the motors give way, am I able to replace them with better ones?

[@jch6275]

I went continental. Roco, Fl., Trix, REE, all amazing reliability. Fabulous sound on dcc, same money as uk stuff!

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh great to hear that - sounds like you did the right thing! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@robertgates7686]

For the record, I have a Bachmann Virgin Voyager Class 221 set which I bought second hand but it does not derail as you describe. In fact it keeps on the track very well even though the power car is centrally located on the train and pushes two coaches when run in either direction.

[@SamsTrains]

Glad to hear that Robert - many others are sharing stories that their 221s are fine - what radius curves do you use?? Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@robertgates7686]

@@SamsTrains Hi Sam, my smallest track curves are second radius but only through 90 degrees at one corner of my layout. All others are larger with flexi-track.

[@SammoKarm]

A really excellent point you made regard the first time buyer coming into the Hobby, I wonder how many have been put off, and decided this Hobby isn't for them because of the problems.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Sam - I agree - I hate to imagine it! :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@bentonroadmodelrailway6103]

Urm... unfortunately i have 3 of these locos. The dapol class 73 which always derails on my points but i dont want to get rid of it because i love the colour scheme and it has nem couplings, the bachmann n class which i replaced the coupling and the hornby railroad 14xx. I wanted it to pull my auto coach my it gets stuck on my points so easily so dont often run it. Great video sam and keep up the great work. Stay safe, jack I also suggest you always have a breakdown crane standing by when running these locomotives lol.

[@SamsTrains]

Ahh sorry to hear that - yeah I love Dapol's colour schemes too! Yeah I don't often run that 14xx either - they're no fun :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@michaelgrey7854]

I had a Bachmann 225 and it always worked really well. It would tilt with no problems. The only issue I had was that it had a split body shell which was soon replaced.

[@SamsTrains]

Glad to hear yours is okay - lots of people I've heard from say theirs is fine - maybe I just had a bad one? Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@motorwayt-s628]

18:38-18.45 I’ve got a Hornby open cab Pannier Tank that has that problem, is there a good way to fix that kind of problem?

[@SamsTrains]

Yes! Look at my video on servicing the Hornby thomas - it has the same mechanism. Once the wheels are removed, clean the pickups and gently bend them outwards so that they make stronger contact with the wheels! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@motorwayt-s628]

Sam'sTrains thanks, I’ve taken it apart and the motor occasionally sparks up and smokes 😬. I’ll try what you recommend and go from there

[@skoorbyrret4578]

Great video Sam ......I totally agree about the 9F & 28xx ...I have both, and they suffer from the exact symptoms you describe, however, one of my most reliable engines is the Bachmann {split chassis} B1 ....I've owned it for several years now, and it has covered mega-miles. I think the worst "lemons" I've bought are the Hornby Flying Scotsman ....I bought two of them, one was the old tender drive and the other one the railroad version ....both burned their motors out very rapidly ....wanting a {4472} on my layout, I bought an old Triang/Hornby "Scotty" {with an old "X-series" motor} from a junk shop, and it has proved very reliable.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot mate - ahh sorry to hear that - at least your B1 is okay for now, keep an eye on those wheels! That's really bad about the Scotsmen :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@WoodenRailwayEdward]

I love this channel so much! XD

[@SamsTrains]

haha thank you! ;D

[@blackberry5447]

I think Sam's the real lemon for buying the Lemons.

[@SamsTrains]

haha I guess so - but silly me for assuming these models would actually work properly, at the given prices ;) Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@Ronnymikkonen2686]

I think Sam is clever enough to repair and fix every issue, except the meltdown of the boilers!

[@harrygrieves6812]

Hi Sam. I hope you don’t mind me asking. What’s your favourite tube line on the London Underground? There is one called the Metropolitan line. Mine are the Bakerloo, Central, Jubilee, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh tricky - probably Picadilly for me! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@stef.b.m.lk1902]

My Hornby railroad 41XX has a sprung back wheel set and its fine. I bought mine after your review and i think mine is either an older tooling or its a newer improved tooling. So mine is probably a new tooling that has been fixed since your review. Love the video SAM. 👍👍

[@SamsTrains]

Yes the older Hornby versions had a sprung rear pony, and then they got rid of it! What's the catalogue number of yours? I wonder if they reverted back to the old design?? Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@stef.b.m.lk1902]

@@SamsTrains it is R3692

[@andrewguttry6886]

Hi Sam, a few of my honourable mentions; Hornby S15 with the interesting overheating and variable speed motor feature. I've had two; both failed. Hornby re-tooled Terrier with a motor displaying 'stiction' (stopping and starting randomly), the Hornby 700 also developed the same issue. All THREE of my Oxford Radials now have failed and burnt-out motors. The Heljan Lynton and Barnstaple Manning-Wardle (009), which wouldn't negotiate points without derailing (I believe Heljan recalled them all). The older Bachmann (?) J39 which wouldn't traverse points with the brake rigging fitted. Hornby M7 which suffered mazak rot and motor failure. The Bachmann Class C which derails when reversing over left-hand points (both mine do over all my points but only left-hand!). I can't think of any more right now, but I'm sure I will! It baffles me why Hornby, notably, cannot spend a little more and provide decent, reliable motors. The extra few quid passed onto the consumer would, for me, cancel out the frustrating hassle of having to return faulty models or seeing them sitting on the scrap line (kitchen cupboard), out of use...

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks Andrew for sharing all of these - not surprised to hear about your Oxford Radials, 2/2 of mine have failed too - utterly useless! I'm baffled too - literally no explanation for any of this! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@buddee20]

2:02 My hornby pocket rocket Billy has the screw problem, but he runs very well after removing the middle one.

[@buddee20]

Me and my dad soldered one of the pickups back on

[@paulkavanaghkavanagh1931]

I can only comment on the Bachmann Voyager tilting set which I ran for a couple of years and it never faltered once and that was on a carpet, the motor was in a centre coach!

[@SamsTrains]

Glad to hear yours was okay! Mine is fine now, but it took an awful lot of work to get it going properly. Thanks for sharing! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@ciaranburke3243]

Hi sam great review, thankfully I don't have any of those lemons, but I do have some of my own made up of expensive hornby and bachmann 😂👍

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot mate, uh oh!!! ;D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Awesome video today Sam really interesting my best Bachmann Thomas locomotive is Henry

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot James! I'm sure some of them are absolutely fine - but Henry was a big culprit when I used to service locos for work! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Sam'sTrains cool

[@matbeech7518]

Hi Sam my worst runner was my Australian rail models c38 steam locomotive when it arrived in the box all the detail parts had detached from the body, my first run it stuttered and derailed due to fixed bogies on the tender also no pick ups on the tender for a $300 locomotive no headlight either or dcc was dc with an 8 pin socket. The second time I ran it the locomotive came to a complete stop and when I opened the locomotive up the motor bearings had completely disintegrated. I've done a lot of work correcting the loco it now has a 5 pole motor instead of the 3 pole it had it now has a headlight and cab lighting with moving bogies and runs as a $300 locomotive should. They also advertise the locomotive with a front bogie coupler that it didn't have when it arrived.

[@covertjunction3122]

One loco I think you've missed, is the Bachmann 7f. With the motor rubber seal which warps and then cools weirdly, this then causes super slow running when cold. Nice video, super Lemoney...

[@SamsTrains]

Yes that's very true actually - though also typical of most Bachmann locos - I've had that happen many times myself!! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@samgarnett9174]

I bought the Hornby valley drifter starter set and the locomotive also stops every time on my points and they are brand new!

[@Evaunit98]

Just a question I recently bought a Hornby evening star, it was a newer model, will this be subject to the problems that your 9f had

[@SamsTrains]

It's hard to say Jacob - I really hope that the more recent Hornby locos won't have the issue, but we'll have to wait a few years to find out! Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@a2020vision_official]

I guess today Sam woke up and said "well what can I do today to make me hate myself for doing this to myself"

[@SamsTrains]

haha exactly right! ;D

[@williambickers8609]

A really cool place to go if you’re ever near it (ie in Buckinghamshire) is the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre. It has steam trains running a pretty longish distance for a museum (in my opinion), a lot of old locomotives as well as ones being done up. It also has a few shops selling model trains as well, including a second hand one which has a pretty unique stock. Keep up the good videos!

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh fantastic William, thanks a lot for sharing, I'd love to try there!! :D Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@justingleisenberg3648]

I have an Hornby 14xx and it runs perfectly fine

[@bachnguyen7448]

I unable to buy the Hornby or even the bachman locos so my locos are Chinese modular train with bolt on body kits meaning lemons are my forte,also how do I fix a burnt coreless motor(the plane motor on your speed train)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing, haha! I'm not sure about that - if they're truly burned out, they may need replacing :( Thanks for watching - Sam :)

[@pveseywells]

I have had real problems with a Bachman Mallard, it always derails on points or corners. I thought it must be my layout, but maybe there is a know issue?

[@Gscalenut]

Sam, the Heljan saddle tank is definitely a lemon. My replacement loco was a lot better but still needed a push to get it moving and then would stop periodically requiring further hand assistance. I would never consider a steam loco from Heljan again. To add insult to injury I had to pay the return postage from Australia to send the original faulty loco back. I considered returning the replacement loco (supposedly test run by the store to confirm operation) but given another $30.00 return postage cost, possibly no replacement available and three month turnaround time, I decided that I had suffered enough.

[@SamsTrains]

haha yeah it certainly is - sorry to hear you've had no luck either, they're just useless! I think the retailer should have to cover the postage if it was faulty! Thanks for watching - Sam :)